The Mission of the Coalition Against Gun Violence is committed to creating a safer community for Santa Barbara County residents united against gun violence through its educational programs and advocacy for effective local, state and national policies and legislation.

A Message from Rep. Salud Carbajal on the 4th Anniversary of the Isla Vista Shooting, May 23, 2018:

Four years ago today, Isla Vista was rattled by an act of tragic and senseless gun violence, when a gunman took the lives of six UC Santa Barbara students, and injured fourteen others.

Since the Isla Vista shooting, Congress has held 37 moments of silence for the victims of gun violence, but we cannot continue to respond with more silence. We must honor these victims and their loved ones with action to make sure that our children are safe in their schools.

Now is the time to RSVP and join CAGV on Sunday, April 29th for our 23rd Anniversary Celebration. This is the year of youth empowerment across the country. Students at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School through their loss and grief have shown our nation a new path to gun violence prevention. San Marcos High School student Isabel “Izzy” Huerta who spoke at the March 24th #MarchForOurLives SB, will be one of our guest speakers along with several well-known elected officials. Also joining us will be Gloria Heck, whose son Cisco attends Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.The Fund for Santa Barbara and other longtime CAGV Supporters have donated scholarship funds for students to attend this event. In Honoring the youth of today, CAGV has organized a student art show by La Cumbre Junior High ASES After-School Program. Music will be provided by the talented San Marcos High School Jazz Band, who recently won 1st place at the Santa Barbara Jazz Festival.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Toni Wellen (805) 684.8434Continue reading “You Are Cordially Invited To Attend CAGV’s Anniversary Fundraiser April 29, 2018”

CAGV is honored to host an amazing woman, Amy Barnhorst, MD, as keynote speaker for our 23rd Annual Celebration/Fundraiser on Sunday, April 29th at the Santa Barbara Club. Dr. Barnhorst is a highly sought-after speaker and expert on the Gun Violence Restraining Order (GVRO) and nationally known for her work in public health systems, firearms law, suicide prevention and mental illness. We welcome her as our honored guest speaker.PLEASE FOLLOW THIS LINK TO RESERVE/PURCHASE TICKETS!http://sbcoalition.org/annual-fund-raiser-2018-reserve-tickets-or-donate/

On May 23, 2014, a mentally ill man killed six students and wounded 13 in Isla Vista, UC Santa Barbara. The shooter had exhibited signs of violence, yet no legal mechanism was available to his parents or law enforcement to take preventative action. In response, the California legislature passed the Gun Violence Restraining Order (GVRO), a law which does something meaningful about mental health. The GVRO allows family members or law enforcement to ask a judge to remove firearms from a relative who appears to pose a threat. Since January 2016, when the law went into effect Santa Barbara County leads the state in issuing GVROs. These orders remove guns and ammunition for 21-days and then up to one year, giving an at-risk person the opportunity to stabilize and seek help while preventing them from harming themselves or others with a gun.

On the 3rd Anniversary of the Isla Vista tragedy, May 23, 2017, Congressman Salud Carbajal (CA-24) introduced The Gun Violence Restraining Order Act at the national level, on the House Floor. Last week, Congressman Carbajal and Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) urged President Trump for his support to pass their bipartisan Gun Violence Restraining Order (GVRO) Act, H.R. 2598 and Feinstein’s companion legislation S. 1212 in the Senate.Continue reading “California’s Gun Violence Restraining Order (GVRO): A Model For National Legislation!”

Renewed calls for gun control reforms followed the mass shooting in Parkland, with many of the teenage survivors emerging as vocal activists. A majority of Americans support a backlash the gun industry has faced since this tragedy. A Quinnipiac University Poll published on March 6, 2018, found that 61 percent support a national ban on selling assault weapons. That finding was consistent with banning the sale of high-capacity magazines—clips that hold more than 10 rounds—which 63 percent of respondents supported.

The overwhelming majority of respondents, 89 percent backed so-called “red flag laws” (similar to the GVRO) which would allow law enforcement or family members to petition a judge to remove firearms from an individual who may pose a risk to themselves or others. Ninety-one percent support a regulation banning gun ownership by someone with a restraining order against them for stalking or domestic violence. Pollsters interviewed 1,122 voters from March 3 – 5. The poll has a margin of error of 3.5 percentage points. (http://www.newsweek.com/american-voters-gun-control-nra-gun-industry-quinnipiac-poll-833340)

Since the Feb. 14 shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., a slew of corporations have rushed to cut ties with the NRA. Three major U.S. retailers voluntarily restricted gun sales, making a policy statement regarding their image with consumers. Walmart Inc., the nation’s largest retailer, followed the lead of Dick’s Sporting Goods Inc. and tightened restrictions on gun sales this week, including banning sales to customers under 21.

Kroger Co. followed suit, saying it was curbing firearm sales at its Fred Meyer general-merchandise stores. Kroger is also the parent of the Ralphs grocery chain. A number of companies, including Delta Air Lines Inc. and Hertz Corp., also have ended discount programs available to the 5 million members of the National Rifle Assn. (http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-gun-sales-social-media-20180301-story.html )

FOLLOW THE MONEY! BOOK RUNNING FOR GUNMAKERS & GUNRUNNERS.Leaders in arranging borrowing for gun companies since the Sandy Hook Dec 2012 shooting include Wells Fargo & Co. as the preferred financier for the U.S. gun industry. The bank has helped two of the biggest U.S. firearm and ammunition companies to access $431.1 million in loans and bonds since Dec 2012.

Today there are 17 grieving families who have lost a child they most cherished to gun violence. Stoneman Douglas School in Parkland, Florida joins the long list of schools that have experienced gun violence. Currently we know that 15 other students were wounded. We mourn and extend our expressions of condolence to the families, the students, teachers and the community of Parkland, Florida. And at this moment we must also be aware that every parent in America who has lost a child or a family member to gun violence relives those wrenching moments of their loss for the rest of their lives. Knowing you will never see your child live a full life, knowing you will never to feel the arms of your loved one around you.

On Thursday, February 15th, after the school shooting in Parkland, Florida, Rep. Carbajal (CA-24) spoke on the House Floor urging Congress to pass HR. 2598, the Gun Violence Restraining Order (GVRO), which would allow family members or law enforcement officials to go to a court to seek a “gun violence prevention order,” to temporarily stop someone who poses a threat to themselves or others from purchasing or possessing a gun. Washington, DC – Today, in response to the tragic shooting killing seventeen students and educators at Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, Representatives Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Elizabeth Esty (CT-05), and Don Beyer (VA-08) urged passage of H.R. 2598, the Gun Violence Restraining Order Act (GVRO). The bill would allow family members or law enforcement officials to petition a judge to temporarily remove firearms from an individual in crisis. Rep. Carbajal spoke on the House Floor today in support of H.R. 2598, watch here https://youtu.be/_hPHXszAuqg

In Kentucky, two high school students were killed and 18 more were wounded after a 15-year-old boy walked into Marshall County High School with a handgun just before 8 a.m. local time on Tuesday morning and began shooting his fellow students in the common area. The victims are Bailey Nicole Holt and Preston Ryan Cope, both 15 years old. Five other students are still hospitalized in critical condition. “WE ARE ALL AFFECTED BY GUN VIOLENCE WHEREVER AND WHENEVER IT HAPPENS. Tragically once again parents, families and a community are grappling with the horrors of gun violence. Today a 15-year old shooter at Marshall County High School has allegedly killed two 15-year-old students and injured 20 others. Their families, and the entire community in Benton, Kentucky, will never be the same. All parents who have lost children to gun violence once again are feeling their own pain along with aching hearts for these families whose hearts are also aching.” — Toni Wellen, CAGV Chair. (This was just one of at least 11 shootings on school property recorded since Jan. 1, 2018 in America, and roughly the 50th of the academic year.) Kentucky has been given an F by the Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence. Kentucky is a major exporter of crime guns and does not require a permit to carry a concealed weapons. This state scores 42 out of 50 as having the weakest gun violence prevention laws in the nation.https://www.democracynow.org/2018/1/24/headlines… More details here:

Under these fiery smoke-filled skies, we send our hopes for you and your family and friends’ safety and well-being. Due to the Thomas Fire and current crisis where immediate attention is focused on family, friends and firefighters working diligently to save our community, CAGV and the Unitarian Society are postponing the scheduled Thursday, December 14th Interfaith Vigil in the Unitarian Society Sanctuary.

Instead, in recognition of the 5th Annual National Vigil for Gun Violence on December 14th and along with communities across the country, we request that you act in solidarity with the Newtown Alliance National Vigil to honor the 20 children and 6 adults lost to gun violence at Sandy Hook Elementary 5 years ago, to the families and lives lost in our own community at the Goleta Post Office and in Isla Vista, and to the 38,000 lives lost in America this year, by lighting a candle on December 14th using words of your faith to remember and honor those who have died in this ongoing public health epidemic of gun violence.

At this time it is also essential we #HonorWithAction those lives lost in our ongoing efforts to #EndGunViolence by calling California Senators Feinstein and Harris to strongly request they oppose H.R. 38, the National Conceal Carry Reciprocity Act of 2017 (CCR).

There are no words to express the feelings of shock, grief and loss when someone you cherished is suddenly and meaninglessly wrenched from you forever. Violently taken from life by a gun.

Yet, once again we read of families and a community who have had a loved one torn from them in seconds by gun violence. Too many times have we heard and said our condolences, our heartfelt feelings of compassion, thoughts and prayers. However, can you even imagine the pain of this loss?

The American gun control debate has stretched beyond the country’s borders, with comedians from the Netherlands adding to the debate. A video produced for a comedian’s show there has gone viral, and could actually provide some good arguments for the conversation here at home. Arjen Lubach created an NRA – “Nonsensical Rifle Addiction” – PSA that explains exactly how ludicrous the country’s gun laws seem to people overseas. The video, by Arjen Lubach of Zondag met Lubach (“Sunday with Lubach”) can be seen here: DUTCH NRA SPOOF

A MESSAGE FROM Salud Carbajal, U.S. Congressman: “Like all of you, my thoughts and prayers are with the individuals and families, including members of our own community, who were affected by the deadly tragedy in Las Vegas. Too many innocent lives were ended too soon and my heart goes out to the victims and their loved ones.

“But I also realize that while thoughts and prayers may offer comfort, they don’t provide the solutions we need to put a stop to gun violence in our country. We must come together as a nation and work to find common sense solutions to end all gun violence.

“The time to act is now, and I will continue the fight to find common sense solutions to curb the gun violence epidemic our country is facing. Thank you for standing with me.”

“Who thinks people would do something like this in America?” A statement from one of the Las Vegas concertgoers.

SHOOTER KILLS 59 & INJURES 527 PEOPLE (as of 10/3/2017)

The shooter, 64-year-old Stephen Paddock, unleashed a hail of bullets from the 32nd floor of the nearby Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Sheriff Joseph Lombardo said. The attacker was killed by police after sniper-style gunfire rained onto a country music festival

Police said more than 22,000 people were at the concert when Paddock began firing round after round, shooting from above into the concert area below leaving those on the ground as exposed targets.

WE ARE ALL TOUCHED BY GUN VIOLENCE. Make a difference JOIN CAGV — Stand Up.Speak Out.Resist!

CAN GRIEF LEAD TO CHANGE? We in Santa Barbara and the Coalition Against Gun Violence wish to extend our expressions of condolence to the families of the victims and people of Las Vegas. And at this moment we must also be aware that every parent who has lost a child or a family member to gun violence relives those wrenching moments of their loss for the rest of their lives. To the community of Las Vegas from the community of Santa Barbara, we understand your grief, your sorrow and pain. We have shared the loss of loved ones to gun violence and know the angst that remains.Continue reading “LAS VEGAS MASS SHOOTING”

It is a known fact that every gun in the hands of a child must first pass through the hands of an adult. Here in America, one out of three homes with children has a gun, many kept unlocked or loaded. Every year thousands of kids are killed and injured as a result through homicides, suicides, and unintentional shootings. STATES UNITED TO PREVENT GUN VIOLENCEnew PSA:“Every 3 Hours,” highlighting the impact of gun violence on kids, parents, and the medical community to encourage the frank conversations about guns that can save kids lives.

The June 10th Gun Buyback will take place at Earl Warren Showgrounds directed by the Santa Barbara Police Department. The City of Santa Barbara has stepped up and donated $10,000 for the 2017 gun buyback. With $3,000 donated by US Congressman Salud Carbajal, we have $13,000 banked. CAGV still needs $12,000 more. In prior years we have given out $20,000 in gift cards. That plus additional costs of advertising, space rental, insurance and putting on the event brings the total cost closer to $25,000. We hope the cities of Carpinteria and Goleta pitch in and individual donors will realize that $100 removes a handgun or a rifle from the home which might possibly save a life.

Garen Wintemute, director of the Violence Prevention Research Program at the University of California, Davis stated that while buybacks might take a small percentage of the guns out of a given community, they still provide a means of taking action. When asked at a press conference in 2014 prior to CAGV’s first gun buyback, what would be considered a success, District Attorney Joyce Dudley immediately said, “One gun. That gun could be used in a suicide or an accidental death.”

CAGV GUN BUYBACK: SAT., MAY 12, 2018

Gun Buybacks are an effective way to remove unwanted guns from our community. Some of the funds raised for the 2017 Gun BuyBack will go to the 2018 Gun Buyback Event on Saturday, May 12th. Why would someone have a gun that they no longer want? Perhaps they inherited the gun or no longer use or want the gun in their home.

Additionally, many people’s circumstances change over time so they may now wish to remove firearm access from: children or other family members; elderly with dementia; individuals with mental illness; those at risk of suicide; volatile, hot-headed individuals (teenagers with poor judgment); and people involved in emotional conflicts (abuse, relationship break-ups).

SAFE STORAGE GUN LOCK: IT’S THE LAW!

"Firearm Safe and Responsible Access Act," was signed into law in October 2013, by California Gov. Jerry Brown. CAGV SPRING 2014 VOL 20 • NUMBER 1 "http://sbcoalition.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/CAGV_SPRINGnewsltr2014_WEB.pdf"

What Parents Can Do: Take the pledge!

I will help my family find ways to resolve conflict without anger or violence.

I will monitor my children’s media viewing to limit their exposure to violence.

Before my children go to the home of friends or family, I will ask parents whether they have a gun and how it is stored.

If I choose to have a firearm in my home, I will store it unloaded, securely locked and separate from the ammunition.